"Why did it turn out like this?"
"I don't know. Guess, meow."
"This is all your fault."
.
A little while ago.
"Clash!" Accelerator was sliding across the ground. Quickly getting up after his fall, he charged at his opponent again, using his right hand as a feint before throwing an uppercut kick.
"Thud!" His attack was completely blocked, and before he could regain his stance, he was swiftly kicked, sliding across the field once more.
"Wow, how could the mighty Accelerator be this weak? It's disappointing, meow."
"Tch. Look who's talking. This is supposed to be combat technique training, but instead, you're just trying to hit me as hard as possible. Are you holding a grudge or something?"
"This is all part of the training. Besides, it's not my fault you're so weak without using magic, meow." Chloe squinted, eyeing his body. "Besides, you haven't actually taken any real damage, you cheater, meow."
"Tch." Accelerator launched himself back into the training session with Chloe.
While the city was asleep, he had come to the Hostess of Fertility to ask Chloe for combat training, and she gladly agreed. He reduced his vector manipulation abilities to the minimum, adjusting it to feel the pushback as if he were taking real hits. Four times, he had charged at Chloe, refining his tactics and tricks each time, yet she easily sent him flying back. The gap in skill between them was immense.
"Mom, you can do it! Accelerator, keep going!"
"Go, Chloe! Beat up that Mad Wizard!"
Ayla cheered on from inside the tavern with Chloe's colleagues.
The "Mad Wizard" nickname had spread among adventurers due to Accelerator's dungeon-clearing feats with magic. He kept his identity well-hidden, but the title "Mad Wizard" was coined by Lyd, and Accelerator suspected Fels might be spreading the word deliberately to draw attention to him. And with those ever-present surveillance owls, it seemed Fels was determined to figure out who he was. Annoying.
Though it was still dark outside, the training field quickly filled with chatter as Chloe's usually lazy colleagues eagerly rose early to witness the spectacle. Even Syr had arrived at the tavern with Ryuu, watching Chloe and Accelerator's training session.
"Hey, Ryuu, what do you think of Accelerator's close-combat skills? I heard he even lost an arm-wrestling match to May before."
It was a little wager between Accelerator and Chloe. If he could beat any tavern staff in an arm-wrestling match without using his magic, she would train him in combat techniques. He'd intended to use vector manipulation to end it quickly, but somehow, she immediately sensed his trick. When asked how, she simply replied that she knew by intuition.
So, he had to arm-wrestle normally with May, an ordinary employee, and the result was a humiliating loss. How could he possibly lose an arm-wrestling match to a regular person after eight years of intense training? In the end, Chloe agreed to train him after teasing him in front of her friends all morning. No, she just wanted to embarrass him more.
Ryuu observed the sparring session between Accelerator and Chloe intently as the fight grew more intense over time. Accelerator was learning quickly, though his movements were still forced and unpolished, like he was trying to make his body follow a pre-calculated path. After watching for a while, she responded to Syr.
"Accelerator has a frail physique. His close-combat skills are poor, even for a mage. His fighting style is strange, like it combines brute force, charging straight in to crush the opponent, and the careful setting of traps, more like an assassin than something stemming from his own physical technique." The first approach symbolized his tendency to overpower opponents with brute force, unusual for a mage, while the second was more meticulous, like a careful assassin.
"But he's improving fast." Indeed, the battle had grown much more intense. The forced movements were still present, but he was beginning to adapt to Chloe's fighting style, even finding ways to counter it.
"Crash!" Accelerator blocked Chloe's punch and quickly pulled her arm, throwing her off balance. With a firm swing of his right arm as Chloe's center of gravity was disrupted, his punch struck her cheek, sending her flying backward. For the first time in this training session, he managed to knock Chloe away. Honestly, it felt great after being pummeled by her all this time.
"Ow..." Chloe quickly stood up, rubbing her cheek, and pouted at him.
"Hey, that hurt, meow."
"Just returning all those hits you gave me at the start of training."
"Don't say that, meow." Chloe pointed at Accelerator's clothes. "You used magic to protect yourself. Your clothes don't even have a speck of dust on them."
"Dad's cheating!"
"Cheater! Playing unfair!"
"Mad Wizard, you're terrible!"
The tavern burst into an uproar. Chloe turned away from Accelerator with a displeased look. He wondered how this morning would end.
.
How did things end up like this?
Currently, Accelerator and Chloe are out shopping for supplies for the tavern. The chaos that unfolded there this morning forced Syr to step in. As a result, the two were sent shopping together to reconcile.
"I don't understand why I have to do this damn chore."
Accelerator grumbled, carrying a mountain of grocery bags stacked taller than himself. Normally, this task would be split among multiple staff members, but with only the two of them, the burden fell solely on him. Chloe, meanwhile, carried just two bags by his side.
"Why are you making such a fuss? We've both been through worse."
"Well, I just wanted to take a walk with you. You haven't been around the tavern much lately, meow."
"Sorry about that. I've been a bit busy."
Accelerator replied sincerely. He had been so absorbed in his research into "chaos" that he lost track of time. Its perplexing nature meant he couldn't contain "chaos energy" with any spell or physical material—it disrupted all magic, mutated, and penetrated anything it touched. Containing and manipulating it using vector control was extremely challenging, leaving only computer simulations for research. But even then, there was no progress.
"Have you been forgetting to take proper breaks again?" Chloe asked, concerned as she looked at him. "Trying to find a way back home is important, but you need to rest too, meow."
She looked at him closely. "You've got dark circles under your eyes. Don't overdo it."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind," he said, rounding a corner—only for a figure to suddenly crash into him at high speed.
"Eeek!"
The stack of grocery bags flew into the air. A gust of wind kept all the food items suspended miraculously in mid-air. The elf girl who had bumped into him sat on the ground, rubbing her head. She had neatly tied golden hair and wore a simple dress.
'She's the kid from the Loki Familia,' Accelerator thought.
"I'm sorry."
"Are you alright?" Chloe asked, moving closer to her.
"I'm fine, thank you." Taking Chloe's hand, the elf girl stood up. She seemed far more humble than most elves.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going. Let me help you pick up—" She looked over at the floating bags, which were neatly hovering in a line behind him. Chloe giggled at the sight.
"That's a neat spell. Instead of complaining, why didn't you just do that from the start?"
"I didn't want to be seen as a weirdo. Besides, we're almost back to the tavern."
"Everyone already thinks you're a weirdo, Mad Wizard."
The young elf's mouth fell open as she pointed at him.
"You... You're the wizard with the strange magic at the tavern. And the tavern maid." She turned to Chloe, pointing at them both, stammering in surprise.
Accelerator didn't reply as Chloe observed the girl more closely.
"Ohhh... You're that shy elf from before. You're with the Loki Familia, right? What brings you here?"
"Uh..." She stammered, "I'm looking for someone with white hair and red eyes."
Chloe and the girl turned to look at him. Leaning close to the girl, Chloe whispered.
"It's not this idiot, right, meow?"
"No."
'I can hear you just fine, Chloe,' Accelerator thought, feeling his face heat up at Chloe's antics.
The elf girl continued describing the person she was looking for.
"The person I'm looking for is a young boy with a baby face, about this tall. He looks like a rabbit. Have you seen him around here?" She was likely searching for the young rabbit-like boy Accelerator had once encountered. Chloe thought for a moment before her eyes lit up with recognition.
"Oh, is he the one with the 'world's treasure'? Why can't you be as cute as that boy, meow?"
"World's treasure??"
"The perverted shotacon here means the kid's adorable backside. And stop comparing me to a kid. It's not good for him." Accelerator glared at Chloe, who innocently avoided his gaze. He sighed at the situation.
"You're a mage, aren't you?" He asked, judging from the situations he had encountered her in before. He continued, "Your senses aren't that sharp. It seems like the kid hid in some corner when he ran off. Searching around won't help. I suggest heading back to your Familia. If you're lucky, you might run into him there."
"Um, thank you," the shy elf replied, still looking a bit flustered. She seemed to have more to say. He addressed her directly.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
"Uh..." She hesitated before gathering her courage. "Thank you for helping me last time."
"There's no need to thank me. I was just doing my job."
"If you hadn't come, who knows how many would have sacrificed themselves to protect me. I'm truly grateful." She bowed deeply in front of him.
'What was that about?' Chloe gave him a curious look from the side.
'I'll tell you later.'
"My name is Lefiya Viridis. Could I know your names?"
"I'm Chloe Rollo, and the Mad Wizard here is Accelerator. Nice to meet you, meow." Chloe quickly replied.
"So, which Familia does the wizard belong to?"
"None. I don't belong to any Familia."
Lefiya's eyes sparkled at his response. A cheerful aura surrounded her. It was rare for a powerful wizard to not belong to any Familia, as wizards were highly sought after. But for her, this presented a big opportunity. If she could get his guidance, she will not affect her Familia.
"Would you consider teaching me magic?"
"No."
Quick and firm. His blunt answer dashed her hopes immediately. It felt as if a dark cloud hung over Lefiya as her shoulders slumped.
"Sorry to bother you both." Before Lefiya could leave, Chloe tossed her grocery bags to Accelerator and led the elf girl aside. He caught the bags and waited for Chloe to finish comforting the young elf.
After a short while, Chloe returned with Lefiya in tow, standing before him. She immediately pulled him aside from the elf girl.
"Hey, why did you turn her down?" she whispered in his ear.
"It's simple—there's no benefit for me." It was true; teaching a student would only waste his time and bring no advantages. Plus, it could cause complications with the Loki Familia.
"Isn't it just you and Qliphoth at home lately?"
"No. We recently got a new member."
"Who's that?"
"Ban, a mist beast."
"Make sure you introduce him to me and Ayla sometime... But that's not the point, meow." Chloe seemed annoyed at being sidetracked from the main topic.
"You're researching magic, aren't you? Having an assistant could really help with your research."
"I have Qliphap."
"That's not what I mean." Chloe sighed, looking at him. "Don't play dumb, Accelerator. You know that's not the answer I wanted. At least listen to what Lefiya has to say before you decide if you'll take her on or not."
"Alright then." Listening a bit couldn't hurt. Accelerator and Chloe returned to where Lefiya was. The young elf was curiously touching the weightless bags floating in midair. Accelerator didn't hesitate and went straight to the point.
"Why do you want me to teach you magic?"
Standing before the Mad Wizard, who always emanated an invisible pressure, Lefiya steeled her resolve.
"Because I'm too weak. Members of Hermes Familia had to sacrifice themselves just so I could use my magic. But you're different. Even without anyone protecting you, you can still use your magic to control the entire battlefield." She clenched her fists, filled with determination. The events on the twenty-fourth floor had reminded her just how powerless she truly was. It reaffirmed her desire to grow stronger—not just to avoid endangering her seniors in Loki Familia but also for herself. A fire blazed in her bright blue eyes as she stopped and looked directly into Accelerator's. Despite the fear rising within her, his emotionless gaze urged her to continue.
"I want to be strong enough not to need protection, strong enough to protect those I care about..." Accelerator's eyes softened a bit, but he remained unmoved.
"That's an admirable goal. But many adventurers want to become stronger to protect their loved ones. You're not the only one. "
"..."
"Besides, everyone can only have a maximum of three magic slots; I doubt I could teach you new spells if yours are already filled."
Lefiya hesitated. Seeing her falter, he started to walk on. There was no need to linger—he'd spent enough time on this.
"I... I can understand your magic."
Accelerator stopped and turned to look at her.
"I'm not sure how; it's just a feeling. I can sense that your magic is different. It feels similar to elf magic but doesn't rely on falna. If I can understand it, I believe I can use it."
He frowned and looked at Lefiya carefully. She wasn't lying. If she could comprehend and wield his magic, there was no harm in guiding her.
"My magic isn't offense-oriented. And I'm no teacher."
"That's alright. I can learn through training with you. Besides, I already have experience in studying magic."
"..."
"So please, teach me."
Accelerator sighed. He could have outright refused her, but after all her earnest efforts, he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Fine. I'll teach you."
Seeing her plea, he finally gave in. Although it held no benefit for him, teaching a student wasn't so bad. Thinking of Yoshikawa and her dream to become a teacher, he allowed himself a small smile. Looks like he'd end up as a teacher before her after all.
'Maybe I should ask Qliphap for some tips on how to teach effectively.'
"Thank you!"
Lefiya took a small hop in place, her hands clasped in front of her. Her long, shining hair twirled with each step, revealing a slight blush on her cheeks. She was truly beaming.
Chloe nudged his arm and smiled.
"You did good. Make sure you teach her well."
"I wonder if this was the right choice."
Watching Lefiya trip over her own feet and collapse under the boxes, creating a slapstick scene, he sighed.
"I'm okay." Her hand rose from the gap between the boxes, making Chloe chuckle.
'This was probably the worst decision I've made,' Accelerator thought.
...
Currently, Lefiya was walking down an empty street. Streets like these weren't uncommon in Orario—winding paths with beggars scattered here and there, giving her chills.
Earlier this morning, after the mage agreed to train her, he had given her a bracelet and instructed her to head to a secret location on the map by early afternoon. However, she was later than planned, having fainted after accidentally seeing Aiz with the boy she'd met that morning.
"Ugh... It's still bothering me. Who was that guy? And why was he with Aiz?"
Lost in thought, Lefiya didn't notice when she had arrived at her destination. She looked up and observed the abandoned house, its moldy, peeling walls and patches of moss clinging everywhere. She reached out to touch the bricks but found nothing strange.
"Did he trick me...?" She sighed, glancing out the window.
"An owl?" An owl perched on a distant branch, staring at her. She found it odd; owls were nocturnal and typically hid in the shadows. They shouldn't be visible in broad daylight like this. Suddenly, the bracelet on her wrist buzzed.
"Tick."
"Auch."
A small needle emerged from the bracelet, pricking her skin and drawing a drop of blood before retracting. Then the bracelet emitted strange sounds that seemed to reach only her ears.
"/Lock the doors and move to the center of the room. You are being watched./"
"Watched by who?" Lefiya looked out the window in curiosity, but the owl had flown away. Swallowing nervously, she decided to follow the instructions, quickly securing the windows and pulling the curtains. Afterward, she stood in the middle of the room. A strange sensation arose as magic surged around her, swirling in a way she had never seen before. Suddenly, the entire room shook, and Lefiya was lifted off the ground, weightless.
Her senses blurred, unable to discern up from down. Time seemed to stretch on forever. The three-dimensional space distorted, and as the curtain opened, Lefiya witnessed a massive white vortex expanding before her. Storms of energy and mist swirled, stars and galaxies twisting into a chaotic sight. A single second felt endless, as creation and destruction of the universe unfolded before her.
"Pop."
A faint popping sound signaled her return as her body spun, crashing around the room like a small bug trapped in a child's hand. She tried to shield her head and minimize the impacts as much as possible.
When everything finally calmed, Lefiya opened her eyes to find herself still in the center of the room. However, the building had transformed into an old wooden house, with the scent of ancient oak filling the air and dust covering every surface. The bracelet vibrated, signaling:
"/A few errors occurred during long-distance teleportation, time in the 11-dimensional space was extended by 5 seconds. We apologize for the inconvenience./"
Hearing these strange words, with concepts like "teleportation" and "11-dimensional space," Lefiya's head grew even dizzier after the transfer.
"Ahaha..." A weak laugh escaped her lips before she collapsed onto the floor.
...
Deep within the Guild, in the Prayer Room.
Fels was discussing the current situation with Ouranos.
"Let's start with what we know. On the 24th floor, there exists a hybrid creature of human and monster, Revis. They are protecting a jewel fetus and controlling carnivorous plants." He paused slightly before continuing.
"If we believe what Olivas Act said about the multicolored magic stones, the jewel originates from her." The small flames flickering in the dark room seemed to intensify the weight of this matter.
"She sleeps deep in the Underground. She wishes to see the sky." That's what Hermes Familia heard him say. In other words, she lives somewhere in the deepest floors."
"So, their goal is similar to that of ancient monsters."
"They want to reach the surface." The floating cloak paused.
"We should consider the connection between the Sword Princess and the jewel fetus, as well as the remnants of Evilus. When the gods were called evil gods, they led their followers to wreak havoc. They would self-destruct, believing the evil gods' promises to help them ascend to heaven. We don't know how many followers they currently have or who their god is. Whether it's Evilus on the surface or this Underground group orbiting around her, they share a common goal."
"Their common goal." The elder god paused in thought.
"Enyo—the name itself sounds like that of a deity. Although no god by that name descended from heaven, in the language of the gods, it carries the meaning of 'City Destroyer.'" The darkness of the shrine could not conceal the old god's majesty and power.
"We need to investigate what's happening in the dungeon."
"Don't worry about that; I've placed an 'eye' in the Loki Familia." Fels replied.
"And the final issue—have you found any information on the Mad Wizard?"
Fels lowered his head in apology.
"Regrettably, no. I have only basic information about him and those close to him. As for his whereabouts within the city, I can't track him. Though I've sent messengers to follow him, he mysteriously vanishes from my sight. Since he has a contract with a spirit, approaching him undetected is nearly impossible."
"Then, what are the basic details?"
"Accelerator, 23 years old, has no falna and is not affiliated with any Familia. He exudes a constant invisible pressure. He has a close relationship with Chloe Rollo at the Hostess of Fertility. Chloe was formerly an assassin known as the 'Black Cat.' The two adopted a child named Ayla, who also works at the tavern. He formed a contract with a spirit to use magic freely without restriction, has met the Xenos, and participated in incidents on the 18th and 24th floors with the Loki Familia. That's all the information I have on him."
"Hmm... Accelerator..." The old god pondered the name. "Accelerator also means 'One-way road.' But the word has connections to death or endings in the language of the gods. Can you continue investigating him?"
"I am willing, my lord. But any further pursuit may be ineffective without knowing his whereabouts. Currently, a child from the Loki Familia I've been monitoring, who recently encountered him, disappeared from the house. There was no hidden switch or anything suspicious. The disappearance occurred when I lost sight of the child. I suspect he used magic to pass through the ground, as he did with the Xenos."
"Very well, continue the investigation. We need to carefully determine if he has any relation to Enyo."
Fels bowed to the old god and exited the prayer room.
"Accelerator..." The old god murmured the name again.
...
"Meow..."
The sound of a cat echoed through the wooden cabin, gently waking Lefiya. She tried to sit up on the cold, dusty floor, using her staff to pull herself up. She took a deep breath, inhaling the damp scent of rotting oak. Her head still ached, and memories of what had happened began to return.
"The Mad Wizard told me to go to the abandoned house on Daedalus Street... then I passed out from a sudden headache."
There was something important she seemed to have forgotten. Lefiya tried to recall but couldn't. Her eyes gradually adjusted to the surrounding darkness, scanning the shabby cabin, with its floor covered in dust and cobwebs. Every step made the wooden planks creak, adding to the sense of abandonment.
"Tick tock. Tick tock."
The sound of a pendulum clock signaled that time had passed. She glanced at the wall clock—it was already past two in the afternoon. She'd lost a lot of time after fainting.
"Meow."
The cat's voice sounded again, this time near the door. Lefiya looked toward it and saw a black cat sitting in front of the slightly open door. Its blue eyes gleamed mysteriously in the dim light coming from beyond.
"Meow."
The cat got up and left the decrepit cabin, as if wanting her to follow. Lefiya took a deep breath and walked toward the door. As she opened it, the bright light outside made her squint, and the fresh air felt refreshing. When her eyes adjusted to the light, the scene in front of her left her stunned.
A vast forest stretched before her, with trees so dense they obscured the sky. Vines wound around trunks, a lush carpet of vegetation scattered all around, and the sounds of birds and insects filled the air.
"This isn't the dungeon... Where am I?" Lefiya murmured. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees, and birds nesting on high branches hinted she was in a completely different place.
Stepping through the dense underbrush, she followed the black cat leading her forward.
"Hey, kitty, are you taking me to Accelerator?"
"Meow..."
The cat responded as if in agreement. The deeper they went, the more uneasy Lefiya felt. The forest grew denser, the path harder to navigate. When she looked back, the cabin was gone—or perhaps it had never been there.
She tightened her grip on her staff, chasing the cat as it sped up, darting between bushes. Lefiya tried to keep up, but even with her level 3 strength, she couldn't match its speed. After a while, the cat vanished into a thick mist surrounding her.
"Huh ?"
Her bracelet began to glow, as if pulling her in a specific direction. She followed the light and finally emerged from the fog to find herself before an ancient, abandoned chapel. The marble walls had weathered over time, yet remained solid.She stepped carefully into the chapel, admiring the ancient structure that had weathered with time. Intricate carvings showed it once served as a place of worship in an era of heroes, now long forgotten.
"Groaghhh..."
A loud roar echoed from above. Lefiya rushed outside and saw a massive dragon diving toward her.
"Aghhh!" She screamed, jumping out of the creature's path. "Boom!" An explosion sounded as the chapel collapsed under the dragon's force. Heavy stones fell onto its body, but the dragon survived, slowly shifting beneath the rubble.
'I need to run to the forest... there, I can hide and counterattack.'
But when Lefiya turned, the forest was gone. The ground ended in a cliff just beyond the wall, with a tropical sea stretching below. There were islands floating in the air, moving gently like clouds but somehow obeying rules that kept them from colliding. They varied in size from small islets to large forests, with waterfalls cascading down into the ocean below.
"Groaghhh..." The dragon roared again, scattering debris. Its fierce eyes locked onto Lefiya.
'Damn it.'
She had little choice. If she tried to cast a spell, the dragon's breath would strike first. Her only option was to jump to one of the forests below. Without time to hesitate, she leapt off the cliff just as the dragon's breath blasted past. She used the branches to break her fall and managed to land 'safely' from a 50-meter drop.
"Hahaha... I survived..." she laughed weakly. "Hm? Where's my staff?"
As she looked up, her staff dropped straight onto her forehead.
"Ouch... ouch..."
Rolling on the ground, Lefiya eventually stood up in the thick forest. But there was no time to rest; the red dragon was flying above, searching for any sign of her.
'Ahhh... Such misfortune.'
She quickly hid in the bushes as the dragon circled the floating island, seeking her out.
'What is going on?'
Lefiya's heart was pounding. An overwhelming series of events had followed her encounter with the Mad Wizard. Her mind was chaotic, and she began to wonder if apprenticing under the Mad Wizard had been her worst mistake.
"Slash." Trees in the distance were cut down by the dragon's claws. It was planning to level the forest to find her. She knew she'd die if she didn't act soon.
'If I stand still and cast a spell, I'll be dead before I finish. There's no choice—I have to do something. But can I?'
Unease swelled within her. Watching the dragon set fire to the forest in front of her filled her with dread. She had no time to waste; she had to make a decision.
Lefiya stepped out of the bushes, staff at the ready.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree."
Magic circles appeared beneath her feet. The dragon immediately turned, launching its deadly breath at her. Lefiya leaped to avoid it, but the shockwave blasted her backward.
She quickly stood and continued her chant. Casting while moving was difficult, but if she stabilized her magic mentally and then completed the spell while standing still, it would be easier.
"You are an expert of the bow."
The dragon charged at her with terrifying speed. Lefiya knew this was her only chance.
"Shoot, sniper of the fairies. Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy—Alio!"
A beam of light shot from her staff, piercing the creature's throat. The dragon roared in agony.It immediately fell to the ground but its last breath obliterated a floating island above. Massive chunks of land fell toward the forest below.
"What the heck is going on?"
Lefiya ran toward the cliff as a deafening explosion signaled the island's impact, and a massive shockwave blew her down into the tropical sea below.
"Such misfortune..."
She cursed her fate before a falling stone knocked her unconscious once again.
...
A short groan escaped Lefiya's lips as she tried to stand again, her feet sinking into the lush grass while her hands gripped her staff tightly, alert for any danger.
What now? she thought, filled with doubt.
"Don't worry; there's nothing here," came the voice of the Mad Wizard from behind her. Lefiya quickly turned, staff raised toward him. He only smiled.
"How did you enjoy your little journey?" he asked, his sharp eyes gleaming with amusement.
Like hell, Lefiya thought, keeping her gaze locked on him, still on guard.
The Mad Wizard, with his striking white hair and deep red eyes, sat calmly by a simple outdoor table set. He sipped coffee leisurely, while a black cat lay lazily across the table.
"I don't usually host guests like this," he said, gesturing toward the sweets on the table. "Please, sit and help yourself."
Lefiya carefully took a seat opposite him. She was starving after everything that had happened, but, seeing her dirty condition, hesitated to touch the treats before her.
Reading her mind, the wizard sighed. Pulling a staff from thin air, he cast a gentle spell. A stream of magical water surrounded Lefiya, healing her wounds and refreshing her clothes.
She watched in astonishment as her appearance changed, feeling the soothing sensation in every muscle.
This magic... the staff appearing out of nowhere, and he didn't even chant. Is this the Mad Wizard?
Once finished, the staff vanished as if it had never existed. Accelerator gestured for her to enjoy the treats. Still cautious, Lefiya took a small piece and tasted it. The sweet and slightly tangy flavor surprised her—it was prepared just like at home. Accelerator poured her a cup of coffee, but the bitterness made her grimace.
The wizard chuckled softly, then snapped his fingers. In an instant, the coffee's color turned a light red. A familiar scent of her hometown's rose tea filled the air, widening Lefiya's eyes in surprise. She took a small sip, and her amazement grew as it tasted exactly right. She looked up at Accelerator, suspicion in her gaze.
As if answering her unspoken question, Accelerator spoke calmly:
"Mental defenses usually rely on the user's intellect or willpower, as few spells directly attack the mind. A few small tricks can easily bypass them."
Setting his book down, he met her gaze directly.
"I read your mind and recreated your favorite flavor using illusion magic. No matter how sharp your senses, they're useless if the information is flawed from the start."
Lefiya froze. That meant what she drank was still coffee, but the taste she received was tea. Now, her mind swirled with questions about this mysterious wizard.
Taking a deep breath, she asked the simplest question:
"Who are you?"
"I am Accelerator," he replied. "A mystic."
...
"Today, let's start by getting acquainted. Feel free to ask anything you want," Accelerator said, continuing to read his magical books. His posture was relaxed, yet he maintained a formal appearance.
Lefiya shyly sat in the chair opposite him, clutching her tea cup tightly as she cautiously asked, "So, where is this place?"
"This is my research area. It's near 'Chaos.'"
"Chaos. What's that?"
"A place where all rules of the world are negated. Even space and time become meaningless."
Accelerator's research area lay on the edge of 'Chaos,' a dangerous, chaotic place where many natural laws were heavily distorted. It was a place full of peril for the uninitiated.
Looking around, Lefiya could see enormous streams of water flowing upward into the sky, crisscrossed lava streams, and a fractured sky revealing a vast void. Perhaps the trial she had just endured had taken place up there.
"How did you bring me here? I remember I was still in Daedalus Street before," she asked.
"A simple teleportation spell," he replied.
"What is teleportation?" she asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"Simply put, you'll disappear from one place and reappear somewhere else. You don't need to know the details."
"So It's teleportation magic... Wait, so does that mean you can go anywhere you want?" Lefiya leaned forward, intrigued. Accelerator answered calmly, "It's not that simple. There are many types of teleportation magic, and complex rules are required to use them safely. Even a minor mistake could cost you a limb or your life." That was also why he avoided large teleportation spells within the dungeon—the chaotic energy and nature of the dungeon made it unsafe to use. But small, independent teleportations he cast himself were still feasible.
He then pointed to the bracelet on her wrist. "That bracelet is a magical tool that led you here. If anyone else were to use it, it would be completely ineffective."
Lefiya held the bracelet tightly. It felt comforting, almost like a part of her. If what he said was true, this magical artifact was incredibly valuable. She hesitantly asked, "Earlier, you used magic without an incantation, didn't you? So, how is your magic different from regular magic?"
"The specifics of magic, you'll understand once you're taught," Accelerator replied absently. He didn't mention that his staff acted as a supercomputer, storing and replaying spells to let him cast without incantations.
After a moment of thought, Lefiya remembered something important. "Ahh... You're outside of my Familia. How long do you intend to train me?"
Since Accelerator wasn't part of her Familia, he couldn't constantly stay with her. There had to be a goal to help her reach.
"I'll train you until I leave or you pass my test."
"What will the test be like?"
"I haven't decided yet. Maybe if you can withstand one suitable attack, that'll do."
Lefiya swallowed hard, imagining Accelerator's power. Just one "suitable" attack from someone capable of teleportation and lifting an entire cavern would be daunting. Accelerator took a sip of coffee and continued, "I'm not a teacher, and I've never taught anyone before, so my methods will be harsh. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes. Please teach me," Lefiya's voice held determination.
"Then..." Accelerator said, "Sign this contract." A shimmering document appeared in the air.
"Huh?" Lefiya took the contract and began to read it carefully.
"This contract pertains to our agreement. You must keep everything you learn here a secret. If you fail to do so, all memories of me and this place will be erased. However, you can speak vaguely if necessary to protect yourself when questioned."
"What if I slip up and reveal something?" Lefiya asked, concerned.
"No worries. As long as it's unintentional, you won't be punished. Furthermore, the knowledge you gain here will still exist even if memories of me disappear. What you internalize will never be taken away."
She hesitated for a moment before deciding to sign the contract. Upon reflection, this agreement posed no harm to her.
"Alright," Accelerator nodded, "Any other questions?"
Lefiya shook her head, though her mind was full of questions about the mysterious mage, especially his magic. Yet, any questions about his identity only received vague answers.
Seeing that Lefiya had no further questions, Accelerator stood up. "I will test you directly."
He walked out into a wide open area, turned his back on the forest, and faced Lefiya, preparing her for her first trial.
"Feel free to use your magic. Don't hold back; give it your all."
Lefiya took a deep breath, steadied herself, pointed her staff at the Mad Wizard, and began casting her spell.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree."
A small pillar of rock narrowly missed her face as she chanted. Accelerator looked at her, irritated.
"Although I told you to use your magic freely, I didn't tell you to stand still while chanting. Move if you don't want to die."
Sharp stone spikes began rising from the ground. Though blunted, they'd still break a bone or two if they hit. The Mad Wizard didn't intend for her to remain in one spot.
Lefiya immediately ran, dodging the flying rocks as they closed in on her. Just then, her body was lifted into the air, tumbling several times before crashing to the ground, finally coming to a stop.
"What... just happened?" she thought, not having seen the attack coming. Blood trickled from her mouth as a dull pain radiated from her stomach.
The Mad Wizard looked down at her from above.
"I told you to chant while evading, not just dodge. In a dungeon raid, opponents won't give you time to settle and cast spells." He turned and walked back to his original spot. "Pathetic..."
Lefiya gritted her teeth at the insult, memories of her fear and failure at Monsterphilia flooding back. If only she had mastered Concurrent Casting then. If she had, she might not have held everyone back. At the very least, she could've been more useful. She stood up, ready for the second round.
The Mad Wizard stomped down, and stone spikes appeared once more. Lefiya was ready this time, leaping aside while chanting. Remembering the life-or-death struggle with the dragon, she ran while casting her spell.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree."
She managed to dodge the first assault while chanting. The stone pillars multiplied underfoot.
"You're an expert at b—nngah!" A stone struck her hip from behind, and Lefiya's body finally gave in, collapsing painfully. Her legs simply gave out, and she fell to the ground with a faint thud, her staff slipping from her hand as her chest heaved.
With his ability to control energy through vector manipulation, Accelerator could project magic far from his body. Striking directly at blind spots without warning, he wasn't holding back at all in this training session.
"I can't complete even a single spell," she thought, feeling like all she'd accomplished was building a resistance to Ignis Fatuus backlash.
"What you're doing isn't Concurrent Casting," he scolded her. "You're just stopping and starting your spell. Endure the pain and keep chanting. Don't let your magic falter from a weak attack," the Mad Wizard said as she lay on the ground.
"Can you go on?" he asked.
No answer came. His strike might have broken some internal organs. In a normal situation, or in his old world, he would have helped her up and healed her. But this was a harsh world.
Accelerator couldn't save her if she was in a Dungeon.
"So this is the extent of your resolve?" If she wanted to protect her teammates and herself, she needed the will to do so.
"Quite disappointing. Determination is a fundamental quality of a mage," Lefiya gritted her teeth, looking up to glare at the wizard, whose expression held a hint of disdain.
"You can't even maintain your composure in the face of these trials."
But she couldn't complain or blame him—she had asked for this. She could only reproach herself for being so weak.
"You will never escape from your own frailty."
"Agh..." She spat out a large mouthful of blood. The Mad Wizard looked down at her as if she were an insect.
"With such half-hearted resolve, you will be the cause of your own death—and the deaths of those around you." The deaths of her Loki Familia members began appearing around her. Riveria lay prone, the magic gem on her silver staff cracked. Her cloak, made of holy fabric with significant resistance to magic, was scorched and scattered around her. Gareth had fallen a short distance away, his body charred and lying on his back. Raul, Tiona, Tione, Bete—their bodies lay strewn about. Huge craters and scorched earth covered the entire area. Finn knelt on the ground, clutching his spear as a large number of monsters surrounded him. He threw himself into the fray, trying to slaughter the seemingly endless stream of monsters. In the distance, a giant creature was devouring a corpse. That corpse was...
"Aiz?" The person Lefiya admired most lay motionless. Her lifeless eyes showed that she was gone. The beautiful image of the Sword Princess had been shattered by the creature's jaws.
A silent scream of despair echoed inside her.
She knew this was an illusion created by the wizard. But she couldn't stop herself from raging, from screaming in despair. A red flame ignited in her heart. Slamming her hand onto the ground, the impact and strength of her Level 3 left a crack in the floor. Lefiya's body began to tremble, her desperation peaking.
Seeing the deaths of those she cherished while feeling helpless, the relentless waves of rage only intensified the uncontrollable shaking of her muscles. With a roar from deep in her lungs, she pushed herself up.
"Crunch."
The sound of shattering glass echoed as the illusion broke like glass. She stared straight at the Mad Wizard with bright green eyes, burning with a courage she hadn't gained from her training with Riveria, shining with an overwhelming resolve strong enough to pierce through the walls of the Dungeon. She swallowed the blood in her throat and immediately began chanting her spell.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree." The first series of attacks began. Lefiya dodged and quickly recited her spell.
"You are an expert of the bow. Shoot, sniper of the fairies." Stones came at her from all directions; Lefiya smashed the dangerous ones with her staff. Broadening her focus, she maintained just enough concentration to dodge and move. She was an unshakable tree.
Creak... Crack...
An attack hit her from a blind spot, crushing her shoulder. Again and again, her spell was interrupted, and the chant failed. But she didn't give up. She would not allow herself to surrender. In her mind's eye, she saw the girl she aspired to become, standing atop the pinnacle of success. Determination flowed through her veins, her body ablaze with fierce willpower, as Lefiya let out a fierce growl.
"Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy—Alio." Lefiya jumped back as a brilliant golden magic circle formed beneath her. A beam shot from her staff straight toward Accelerator. He sidestepped it effortlessly. Lefiya didn't stop; she jerked her staff, and the beam immediately swerved back to strike his back. The Mad Wizard didn't evade; the energy dispersed into glimmers as it hit an invisible barrier.
"A defensive spell? The same one used with Bete?" Lefiya panted as she tried to analyze the wizard's spell. Watching her closely, Accelerator nodded quietly.
"Not bad. Remember, a true mage must keep a cool head in any situation." He raised his left hand, small whirlwinds forming in his palm.
"From now on, I'll be a little more serious."
The training had only just begun, and Lefiya faced Accelerator with determination. This time, just this once, her will and resolve weren't directed toward Aiz or that timid rabbit she had been in the morning.
'I will land a hit on him, even if it's just once. I will hit this madman, even if it's only once.'
Gripping her staff tightly, Lefiya began chanting. As if on cue, whirlwinds shot from his hand. The battle commenced immediately.
...
"Haa... haa..." Lefiya panted, collapsed on the cool grass. Her entire body was filthy, her clothes torn to shreds, her staff lying out of reach, and her mouth filled with the taste of blood. Scratches covered her body, bruises appeared on key joints, and more than fifty bones were likely broken. Despite all that, she hadn't managed to land a single hit. The Mad Wizard had nullified every one of her attacks.
Accelerator approached her without a single scratch.
"Not bad, kid." He looked exactly as he had at the start of the training: white hair, blood-red eyes, still calm, and not a speck of dirt on his clothes.
At his compliment, Lefiya shielded her face with her arm. For some reason, she didn't want him to see her like this. Tears began to fall. She understood the massive gap in their power. Facing someone who could easily nullify a Level 5's attacks, she had no chance. Yet she still cried, unable to stop herself. She felt the gentle flow of magic healing her wounds, but her sobs only grew louder, echoing in the night.
Accelerator glanced around at the battlefield, now transformed by their intense struggle. Massive craters dotted the area, grass charred to ash, even a wide patch of ground completely frozen over. She had managed to fire off at least four spells despite his relentless attacks. A hand suddenly grasped his pant leg, and he looked down.
"I will defeat you," Lefiya gasped, clutching his pant leg, her breaths uneven. She cried out, "I don't want to lose, no matter what. This isn't for that kid, not for Aiz, not for Loki Familia, or even my pitiful self. I want to win for my current self, who truly desires it. So..." Her voice wavered, eyes still swollen from crying, but she looked straight at him, unshielded.
"Train me until I can beat you."
She knew how ridiculous it sounded. The power difference was vast, almost unimaginable. But her resolve was unwavering. She wanted to reach the summit and surpass him.
"Alright, I accept," Accelerator, now wielding the power of the Third Tree, representing the human will, found himself impressed by her determination. It might be a spontaneous show of emotion, but he respected it fully.
"I'll train you until you can defeat me. Don't give up until then." Lefiya didn't respond; she had already fallen asleep, a serene smile on her face as she lay on the ground. The conversation had drained what little energy she had left.
"Tch... This kid really is something... After such a grand speech like that."
With a sigh, he picked her up and headed toward the cabin. Looking around the wrecked training ground, Accelerator felt a pang of weariness.
"Today was exhausting," he muttered as his voice echoed through the dark forest.
...
Warmth. Lefiya felt warmth against her chest.
"Aiz." Aiz stood before her in a beautiful wedding dress, smiling while holding a bouquet. The sight was breathtaking, leaving her speechless. Aiz approached her, causing Lefiya's heart to skip a beat. Smiling, Aiz said, "Thank you for coming to my wedding."
The words stunned Lefiya.
'Eh... wedding? What happened? Aiz is married? To who? Who dares?'
Her questions were answered as the groom appeared—a white-haired boy with red eyes. Unlike her stern teacher, this one looked like a rabbit. It was the boy she had seen earlier that morning. He approached Aiz in a fine suit, taking her hand.
"Thank you, Lefiya. Thank you for saving my wife's life." With that, he led Aiz to the altar and kissed her.
"Ahhhhh..." Lefiya screamed as she woke up, almost falling backward but managing to grab onto someone's back.
"Awake now, kid?" Accelerator was carrying her on his back. Lefiya blushed instantly, embarrassed to be carried by a guy. She smacked his back and yelled, "What are you doing?"
"Stop hitting me. You fell asleep after training, so I had to bring you back home."
Lefiya paused as her memories returned: the training, the magic, and her resolve. Remembering everything made her feel foolish for what she had said. Her face flushed, and she hit his back harder.
"Stop! Put me down! This is so embarrassing... Argh." She cried out in pain. The Mad Wizard immediately let her down without hesitation. Though her wounds had been healed, her body was still sore from the intense training. Rubbing her aching rear, she glared at him.
"What was that for?"
"You told me to let go. I simply followed orders," he replied, adjusting his clothes.
"You should warn me first. Don't just drop me like that. Do you even know how to treat a lady?" she grumbled as she got to her feet.
"Meow." The black cat beside her seemed to agree.
"See? Qliphap agrees with me too." Accelerator didn't respond. He waved his hand, and Lefiya's staff appeared, floating toward her. He tossed it to her and turned away.Lefiya clumsily caught it.
"We're close to your Familia now. I'm heading back. Come to me tomorrow, and we'll start your real training." Tapping his cane against the ground, a fog gradually enveloped him and the cat.
"Don't give away too much." His voice echoed as the mist faded, leaving him vanished.
"Goodbye," his farewell reverberated along the deserted path.
Accelerator had left her there. A chilly breeze brushed past her, and Lefiya couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed by the situation. She muttered complaints about her terrible teacher as she walked home.